Read articles from Europe

July 03, 2025 by irishtimes.com

The HSE's NEHS warns the public to avoid e-cigarettes from two brands falsely labeled as nicotine-free. Tests revealed nicotine levels up to 30 mg/ml. Brands include McKesse MK Bar 700 and Bank Box 18000 Puffs in various flavors. Consumers can return them to the store and retailers are asked to halt sales. The HSE will take legal actions to protect public health, including product seizure and prosecutions. Retailers must verify products and suppliers. A recall notice is mandatory for sellers.

July 01, 2025 by eureporter.co

A leaked internal report from the European Commission reveals serious concerns about proposed major tobacco tax hikes across the EU. While the reforms aim to improve public health and raise revenue, the Commission’s own analysis warns of unintended and potentially harmful consequences. The leaked impact assessment, reported by Bild on 12 June 2025, outlines steep excise duty increases—139% on cigarettes, 258% on rolling tobacco, and 1,092% on cigars. Vaping and heated tobacco products would also be taxed for the first time at the EU level. Though expected to generate €15.1 billion annually, the report raises doubts about the overall effectiveness and impact of the plan.

July 01, 2025 by thefirebreak.org

The text discusses the WHO's opposition to harm reduction products like e-cigarettes, misinforming against vaping and failing to support smokers trying to quit tobacco. It highlights the WHO's reliance on activists and foundations funding biased research, impacting their policies. The lack of transparency, refusal to consider scientific evidence, and questionable decision-making regarding a potential nicotine-based vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic are also addressed. The text emphasizes the need for the WHO to reform, address conflicts of interest, prioritize public health over political agendas, and promote responsible behavior.

June 30, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

Nicotine pouches, often misunderstood by the media, play a crucial role in harm reduction in Sweden, particularly helping women quit smoking. Despite higher usage by men, tobacco-free pouches have significantly decreased smoking rates among Swedish women. The product's cleanliness and convenience have made it more appealing to women. In contrast, Jacinda Ardern's opposition to non-tobacco nicotine pouches in New Zealand contradicts her liberal image. The success of such harm reduction methods, as seen in Sweden, highlights the importance of offering products that cater to individuals' needs for a smoke-free future.

June 30, 2025 by swlondoner.co.uk

Vaping's popularity in the UK has soared, with users reaching 5.6 million in 2024. Concerns are rising due to health risks, e-waste, and fires, exemplified by Donna King's experience. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create a smoke-free generation by 2027, as vaping and smoking cost billions. While vaping is seen as less harmful than smoking, the long-term impacts are still under scrutiny. Public awareness and safety measures, like charging precautions, are crucial. Ongoing research will shed light on vaping's full effects on health, safety, and the environment.

June 27, 2025 by brnodaily.com

The Czech Republic has seen a rise in tobacco and nicotine product use, with 27% using them daily in 2024, up from 23% in 2023. Conventional cigarette smoking is decreasing while e-cigarettes and alternative products are gaining popularity, especially among young people aged 15-24. Smoking-related deaths account for about a fifth of all fatalities, with 16,000-18,000 deaths annually and significant economic costs. Availability and marketing strategies contribute to high usage rates, with smoking shortening life expectancy by 10-14 years. The government is discussing addiction policy coordination in response to the changing trends.

June 27, 2025 by weareinnovation.global

The European Union is off track to meet its 2040 smoke-free goal by over 60 years, with only a 1% decline in smoking rates since 2020. Three EU countries – Sweden, Czechia, and Greece – have shown remarkable success in reducing smoking through innovative nicotine products. Sweden leads as a smoke-free pioneer with a 5.4% smoking rate. Czechia achieved the fastest smoking decline in Europe, while Greece reversed high smoking rates. These success stories highlight the effectiveness of differentiated regulation and harm reduction policies. Embracing alternative nicotine products alongside traditional measures can accelerate progress towards smoke-free societies.

June 25, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

Global tobacco and nicotine regulation discussions lack consumer representation, disadvantaging smokers and vapers. The World Conference on Tobacco Control overlooks harm reduction strategies, favoring prohibitionist policies influenced by figures like Michael Bloomberg and the WHO. The upcoming COP11 and EU regulations could shape future nicotine policies, potentially blocking safer alternatives. Despite successful harm reduction examples in certain countries, the EU is leaning towards restrictive measures like flavor bans and tax hikes. Advocates emphasize the need for evidence-based, consumer-centric policies to combat smoking-related illnesses. Policymakers face a crucial decision: prioritize public health or maintain outdated ideologies at the expense of consumer well-being.

June 25, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

Belgian Health Minister called for a Europe-wide ban on e-cigarettes, aiming to prevent youth nicotine addiction. He also emphasized the need for preventive measures on alcohol and tobacco use during the Luxembourg Health Council meeting. Vandenbroucke highlighted the dangers of flavored e-cigarettes, urging the inclusion of vaping in the EU's anti-cancer efforts.

June 23, 2025 by eunews.it

Belgium calls for a ban on e-cigarettes in the EU to prevent addiction among youths. Health Minister Vandenbroucke seeks to include vaping in the fight against cancer, emphasizing the dangers of flavored e-cigarettes like apple and raspberry. This proposal aligns with the EU's efforts to combat the tobacco industry by raising taxes on harmful products. The aim is to protect the health of European citizens by discouraging the use of potentially harmful substances.